Best hotels in Barcelona: where to stay

In Barcelona the area where you sleep decides which city you live: the medieval maze of the Gothic Quarter, the modernist elegance of the Eixample with Gaudi's masterpieces, the neighbourhood character of Gracia or the beach of Barceloneta. The city is compact and the metro is excellent, but staying in the right place lets you walk between the sights. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Barcelona, area by area

The Barri Gotic and El Born

In the heart of the old town, the Barri Gotic and nearby El Born are a maze of medieval lanes, squares and churches, with the cathedral and the Picasso Museum. It is the right call for a first-timer and for anyone who loves atmosphere, very central but very touristy and sometimes noisy.

• The cathedral and the lanes of the Barri Gotic
• The basilica of Santa Maria del Mar in El Born
• The Picasso Museum and the neighbourhood tapas
• On foot from La Rambla and the port

For atmosphere and a central base, look for hotels in the Barri Gotic.

The Eixample

The great grid of the Eixample is modernist Barcelona, with the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo and La Pedrera along the Passeig de Gracia. It is the choice for anyone who loves architecture and shopping, elegant, central and with plenty of good hotels.

• The Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's masterpiece
• Casa Batllo and La Pedrera on the Passeig de Gracia
• The elegant avenues and the shops
• Handy metro for the whole city

For architecture and convenience, see hotels in the Eixample.

Gracia

To the north, Gracia is a former village turned neighbourhood: lively little squares, bars, shops and a local air, a step from Park Guell. It is the choice for anyone after the authentic, quiet side of Barcelona, often at better prices than the centre.

• Squares like the Placa del Sol and the bars of Gracia
• Park Guell and its views
• Independent shops and neighbourhood restaurants
• A village atmosphere within the city

For a local side and good value, look for hotels in Gracia.

El Raval

Next to the Rambla, El Raval is the multicultural, alternative quarter, with museums, street art and lively nightlife, often at lower prices. It is the choice for anyone after the creative side and evenings out, bearing in mind some parts are grittier.

• The contemporary art museum MACBA
• The bars and clubs of the Raval
• The Boqueria market next door
• Lower prices and street life

For nightlife and good value, see hotels in the Raval.

Barceloneta and the beach

By the sea, Barceloneta is the old fishermen's quarter with the city beach, seafood restaurants and the promenade. It is the choice for anyone who wants the sea to hand, ideal in summer, a few minutes from the centre.

• Barceloneta beach and the promenade
• The paella and seafood restaurants
• The port and the Port Vell
• Swimming and seaside walks

For sea and relaxation, look for hotels in Barceloneta.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Barcelona is in Spain's mid-to-upper range, with higher prices in the centre and in high season.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 120-220 euros a night, more in the centre and during events.
• A dinner for two with tapas and wine: about 50-80 euros; a cana (small beer) around 3 euros, a coffee 1.80.
• Transport: the metro is excellent; a multi-ride ticket is worth it.
• Tourist tax: in Barcelona it is among Spain's highest, with the Catalan regional tax plus a €4 municipal surcharge: in total roughly 5 to 7.50 euros per person per night by category, up to seven nights. It is rising, so check the current amount.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Barcelona.

Getting there and around

The airport is Barcelona-El Prat (BCN), about 15 km away, linked to the centre by the Aerobus in about half an hour, the L9 Sud metro and the R2 Nord train. Girona and Reus serve some low-cost flights but are much further.

In town you do not need a car: the metro is dense and fast, and most central neighbourhoods are walkable. Watch out for pickpockets on the Rambla and in the metro at peak times.

When to go

• January-March: mild and quieter, lower prices, few queues.
• April-June: a splendid spring, ideal weather, maybe the best window; Sant Jordi on 23 April is special.
• July-August: hot and beachy, but very crowded and pricey.
• September-October: excellent, the sea still warm and the big Merce festival in late September.
• November-December: mild and quieter, with a Christmas mood and lower prices.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? The Eixample or the Barri Gotic: central, on foot from the sights and well served by metro.

Do I need a car in Barcelona? No, the metro does everything and is handier. A car is only a problem.

How much is the tourist tax? It is among Spain's highest, roughly 5 to 7.50 euros per person per night by category, and rising.

How do I get from the airport? With the Aerobus in half an hour, or the L9 metro or the R2 Nord train.

How many days do I need? At least three or four nights for Gaudi, the old town and a day at the beach.

The best hotels in Barcelona

Below is a selection of real hotels in Barcelona among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.